111 Why is the lack of women in venture capital still a thing with Julia Groves of Sustainable Ventures

We have been talking about the lack of women in venture capital for far too long. Although we have tried to add to that on the #EIS Navigator podcast, its taken several attempts to get something out. We are delighted that entrepreneur, investor and soon-to-be Investment Committee member at Sustainable Ventures, Julia Groves joins us to discuss where we are, why this is still a thing and what should be done about it.

In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:

• where we are with female participation
• glass ceilings
• how the Rose Review didn't fix the problem
• bringing female investors into venture capital
• the lack of knowledge about EIS
• how women investors get advice
• the relationship to diversity to other issues
• the recent pushback against DEI, ESG and environmental issues generally
• encouraging female founders
• possible strategies to improve matters

Its an great discussion with someone who is passionate about entrepreneurship, the environment and diversity. Enjoy!

00:55 Julia introduces herself

03:15 Sustainable Ventures

04:15 Where are we with female participation entrepreneurship

07:30 Female investors vs entrepreneurs

10:15 Glass ceilings and other diversity issues

14:00 How do we fix the problem?

15:00 Rose review - great data but where's the effect?

22:00 Bringing female investors into venture investing

23:20 The lack of knowledge about EIS

27:00 Access to advice for female investors

31:00 Linking diversity to wider environmental issues

33:10 Pushbacks against DEI and environmental issues

36:00 How the environment has changed for women - pulling up the ladder

43:00 Encouraging female founders and getting them to raise money

48:00 Pools of progress vs overall stats

51:45 Could disclosures help

56:30 favourite questions

Links

Sustainable Ventures - https://www.sustainableventures.co.uk/

Julia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasgroves/

Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listen

Suggested books and media

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Bio

Julia Groves

Investment Committee member, Sustainable Ventures

Julia brings over 20 years experience in the renewable energy and responsible finance sector.  A successful entrepreneur with three exits under her belt, she set up the Sustainability team at the British Bank, has served on the Nesta Impact Investment Committee for 3 years, and has recently joined Sustainable Ventures as Investment Partner.  

With a career spanning venture capital and private equity she has been at the forefront of shaping responsible investment strategies and regulatory innovation. Previously a Partner and Head of ESG at Downing LLP  Julia has raised substantial capital for pioneering businesses, backed early-stage ventures and as an angel investor led high-growth companies through critical transitions. As a serial entrepreneur in wind turbine and solar businesses she has consistently and susscessfuly secured investment and strategic partnerships to expand companies market reach and ultimately their impact. She also volunteers as a mentor for Expect Impact.

Disclaimer

Please note this podcast/interview does not constitute a financial promotion and is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as an invitation or offer to buy or sell any investments. Please be aware that investments into unquoted companies are high risk, long term and illiquid investments.  Your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.  Target returns are not guaranteed and forward looking statements are illustrative only and must not be relied upon. Investors should only invest on the basis of reading the full offer documentation.